On the evening of September 27, the opening ceremony of the 2024 China International Confucius Cultural Festival was held in Qufu, east China's Shandong Province. The event featured the 19th UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy awards ceremony, recognizing three outstanding projects from Egypt, Indonesia and Nigeria.
The evening also marked the launch of two significant cultural initiatives: the "Journey of Global Confucian Temples and Academies for Tracing the Origin" and the "International Confucius Culture Exchange Program." Additionally, the results of the global Gen Z contest "Confucius in My Eyes" – featuring photos, short videos and writings – were showcased.
A spectacular cultural performance was staged, showcasing the unique charm and contemporary relevance of traditional Chinese culture, particularly Confucianism, through symphonies, dance and theatrical presentations.
Guests from China and abroad emphasized the profound influence of Confucian thought on China's development and its contribution to global civilization. They highlighted the festival's growing role in promoting international dialogue and fostering friendship among nations.
They further noted the importance of preserving, passing down and innovating the intellectual heritage of thinkers like Confucius. They called for deeper cultural exchanges and cooperation in literature, art, cultural heritage and public cultural services to cultivate a vibrant global cultural landscape.